Category: Tips

The continuous spread of fake news all over the internet is quite scary. It doesn’t only make people confused about their own beliefs, but also make people abandon their own values.

But do you know what’s scarier?

It’s the idea that fake news can strip you away from everything you know – from your loved ones and just about anything you’ve ever worked hard for – due to hidden traps within such as phishers and malwares, as well as hackers and even “trolls” who might not stop until you are completely brought down…

…all because of that single click on your mouse.

Now, the question is: How can you prevent yourself from being misled?

Here’s one way:

Do your own research.

Fake news can usually be detected from a layman’s point of view. They’re the ones usually shared with a caption that seems like it’s being advertised, as well as unverified sources within the article itself. Thus, do your own research.

Moreover, don’t ever think about what happens when time stops. In other words, continue to do your own research no matter how long it takes and no matter what happens next. At the end of the day, it will all be worth it. You will not only save yourself from getting completely misled, but also save your loved ones and other people from getting totally misled.

BONUS: Trust your gut instinct.

If there’s one skill all men in this world have in common, it’s gut instinct. Just like when confronted by dangers like a robber stalking you from behind, fake news will also give you an emotion that no one – not even the smartest person in front of you – can totally believe, no matter what other people say about it.

Trust your gut instinct. It will save you from any kind of threats, even the most undetected ones.

Whatever your stand on issues may be, knowing how propaganda can influence your choices and decisions helps you avoid blindly accepting what propagandists feed you. And now is a good time as any to make a conscious effort to look beyond the web of stories that propaganda machines churn out. In the end, you can choose to look beyond the news you see, hear, or read every day to get to seek the truth. Here are some of the many ways you can take control of how you process the information presented to you.

Check your sources

Social media is a great source of news and information. In fact, there have been reports that many people now rely on social networking sites for their daily dose of news. On the downside, not all content you find on your social media feeds are credible. Check your sources first before believing and sharing what you see or read. Check if the story is covered by reputable media websites. Or you can do some research to verify the facts.

Be informed

Know the elements of propaganda and the common techniques or methods propagandists’ use. The knowledge can prove handy in identifying inaccurate or biased information that are not supported by evidence. This could help you avoid blindly following the direction people behind propaganda machines are laying out for you.

Keep an open mind

One of the easiest ways to fall for propaganda is to avoid seeing things from different perspectives. You have to constantly challenge your own perceptions instead of sticking to information that supports your views. Reports should be balanced and based on verifiable facts or evidences. Anything that appeals primarily to your emotions and conveniently excluding certain facts are designed to shape your judgments.

Avoid sharing misleading information

One person may not seem like much to change perception or the narrative. But you can make a difference in stopping the flow of fake news or misleading information. Share or spread stories that you have verified to be true. When in doubt, do not be a part of spreading propaganda. More people doing the same can have an impact in changing what some people in your online networks see as news.

Introduction

Stop the Prop is a website dedicated to looking beyond misleading news and stories. The goal is to make informed choices and decisions based on credible data or information. This site takes a look into the common methods used to influence perceptions, make suggestions that may have deliberately omitted or manipulated facts, and generally create a different version of stories. In here you will find stories, ideas, tips, and resources that may help in searching for facts and trusted sources of information on what sometimes could be a web of lies.